Shakespearean author and actor Ben Crystal gives a unique introduction to King Lear with guidance on what to think about before, during and after you see or study the play.
King Lear is a towering drama of personal and national tragedy. This accessible introduction offers a springboard into the play, breaking down any fears or preconceptions about it and taking a hands-on, performance-based approach. It combines ideas and critical information about the context in which the play was written, the ideas it explores and the challenges and the rewards it presents to actors, audiences and students. Springboard Shakespeare: King Lear has a three- part structure: Before, During and After. Ben Crystal takes you through what you need to know and think about before you see or study the play, while you watch or read it, and after you have seen or read it. He combines a genuine passion and understanding of Shakespeare with his experience as an actor, to give the reader a clear route to thinking about, understanding and enjoying King Lear.
About the Author
Ben Crystal is an actor and writer with an established expertise in Shakespeare. He has co-authored The Shakespeare Miscellany and Shakespeare's Words with his father, linguistic expert David Crystal and was the sole author of the very successful Shakespeare on Toast.
Industry Reviews
Having Crystal as a companion through the stickier parts of Hamlet and Macbeth is like going to the theatre with an intelligent friend. * The Independent *
How different it might have been if we'd had Ben Crystal's sparky little books to introduce us. My Shakespearean epiphany would have come much sooner...[the books] lead newcomers into the play in question in a gentle, upbeat, unpretentious way. Fresh and slim, they're about as far as could be from dusty, dry study guides relating to school exams...much better than the average theatre programme...I'd like to see them on sale in theatre bookshops, and/or wherever there's a production of one of these plays...I'd also recommend them for classroom use. -- Susan Elkin * The Independent on Sunday *
A highly worthwhile series, which should prove to be valuable for directors, actors and students...This formula really works. As an experiment, your dedicated reviewer tried out Macbeth in preparation for and following on from the Eve Best production of the Globe. The experience was definitely improved, with some of the tips on words and language proving especially helpful and enlightening... These really are excellent little guides that will prove informative to almost anybody with an interest in the subject. -- Philip Fisher * British Theatre Guide *
